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NordicTrack Treadmills Motivate
NordicTrack Treadmills are mid-priced machines manufactured by ICON Fitness, the same company that produces Weslo, Proform, Healthrider and several other treadmill brands. This is the company’s brand marketed to the middle-age, yuppie market that’s familiar with the popular NordicTrack ski machines from a few decades ago. Lots of Bells and WhistlesNordicTrack treadmills range in price anywhere from $900 to almost $4,000. There’s a lot of choice within the NordicTrack line, but the differences aren’t in construction or performance so much as in the extras on the individual models. It’s apparent when you check them out that these treadmills aren’t targeted to the serious athlete. Instead, they are for people who really do want to put some genuine effort into getting into shape but get bored easily. NordicTrack - Internet Exclusive Weekly Specials
Most of the thought and effort of NordicTrack has gone into making each treadmill model more entertaining than the last. Carb counters (to tap into the current low carb diet craze), personal training programs with a voice that gives you motivational tips and integrated televisions and stereos are all meant to appeal to those who need a tasty carrot dangled in front of them to exercise. To give NordicTrack credit, these treadmills sell like hotcakes and the features work very well.
Skimpier on the EssentialsWhat NordicTrack treadmills excel at in novelty, however, they fall short on in the real meat and potatoes functions that serious athletes are looking for. While these treadmills have a generous running surface and sturdy belts, the motors on all but the most expensive models aren’t as powerful as they should be. NordicTrack treadmills also tend to lack stability and have a bouncier deck than professional trainers and athletes prefer – it takes away from the genuine “road feel” that a treadmill should give you. Compare NordicTrack Treadmills at Workout Warehouse
At the lower end of the price range, you’ll find small motors, a lack of stability and user weight limits that you should really check into – some of them aren’t sufficient for larger users. NordicTracks also have higher repair costs than other treadmill brands at this price point. Changes are ComingThe good news is that NordicTrack recently upgraded its warranty. NordicTrack now offers three years on the motor and two years on parts, which is considerably better than their old 90 day warranty (standard for ICON). Keep in mind, though, that even the new warranty falls short when compared to most other treadmill brands that typically cover motors for anywhere from five to ten years or more. The overall mechanics have improved recently as well. In fact, Consumer Reports considered one of NordicTrack’s high end models excellent in two of four categories. If you are willing to pay for their higher end models, these treadmills are pretty good, but don’t get caught up in the bells and whistles and forget to look at the bare bones when shopping. ICON seems to be improving the brand, so you could see changes coming soon that will kick NordicTrack treadmills up to the next level. Let’s hope they focus on those decks. Model Reviews
NordicTrack X5 - One of the best incline treadmills. The NordicTrack A2105 – Not a runner’s treadmill. The NordicTrack C2200 - a lot of treadmill for little money. The NordicTrack Elite 2900 - State-of-the-art iFIT® technology brings personal trainer into your home. Return from NordicTrack Treadmills to the Treadmill Reviews Home Page
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